Eurobishop

Here are some recent books on a variety of theological topics, from hearing confessions to Messy Church. There is some stimulating reading here. Unfortunately, these book reviews are going to be less frequent as Dr Martin Davie, the Theological Consultant to the bishops of the Church of England, is no longer with the national staff at Church House. I relied on his extensive reviews to be able to pass along news of the latest quality theological writing which would be of of interest to the faithful of this Diocese in Europe who wanted to keep abreast of the latest quality theological writing. ¡Buena lectura! For the reviews, click on  read more.

On Wednesday 10th July the Revd Clem Upton was licensed by the Archdeacon of Gibraltar, the Venerable David Sutch, to be Priest-in-Charge of St Christopher's Costa Azahar. The parish of Costa Azahar depends on the generosity of the Roman Catholic Church for the use of buildings and so it was very good for the Archdeacon to have been able to welcome Fr Emilio and Fr Cristobal (below left) two local Roman Catholic priests, to the celebration. Fr Clem serves the three congregations in this Anglican parish to the north-east of Valencia, in Alcossebre, L'Ampolla and Vinarós. We Fr Clem and his wife  Sheila to this diocese in Europe.

I don't know how this slipped through the Eurobishop net! But here is an important, if somewhat late, announcement about the Greater Lisbon Chaplaincy. On May 2nd the Revd Nigel Stimpson was licensed by the Archdeacon of Gibraltar, the Venerable David Sutch, as Chaplain of Greater Lisbon. There are two congregations in the chaplaincy - St George's Lisbon, and St Paul's Estoril.  Fr Nigel joins a long line of priests serving the English (now better described as the English-speaking) community in Lisbon dating back to the 1650s! He sees the role of the chaplaincy to be a home to all who wish to worship in English, “a friendly, hopeful Christian community,  open to strengthen our unity with other Christian traditions and nationalities”.  Fr Nigel was supported on this day by Fr Peter Ford from St James's Porto and Fr Bob Bates from the parish of Algarve who are pictured below along with the Archdeacon. We welcome Fr Nigel to the Dioces...

2012 was a busy year for the parish of St Thomas Becket, Hamburg, as it celebrated its 400th  anniversary   Now, with the parishioners encouraged and re-energised for the next 400 years of ministry, attention has turned to the Church building itself!  "Its going to look wonderful when it is all finished!", says the Revd Matthew Jones, the Chaplain.  Since 6 May the  Church building has been wrapped up for external cleaning, painting and refinishing. A new illuminated sign will be installed which will be a beacon to all who pass by that this is the Anglican Church in Hamburg.  We can't wait to see the new look to our beloved and historic St Thomas Becket church. 

The Diocese in Europe will have a presence at the Roman Catholic World Youth Days in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 23 to 28 July. Our representative is Alice Christofi, a 20 year old member of St Mark's Florence. Alice was born in London and is a student of modern languages. She is a faithful member of the parish and is frequently the MC at the liturgies as well as a participant in the musical life of the Church, according to Fr William Lister, Chaplain of St Mark's, pictured below with Alice and Reader Penny Mittler. The idea of an Anglican presence in Rio came from Fr Nicholas Wheeler of the Anglican parish in Cidade de Deus. He contacted me earlier this year about his plans to organise an Anglican youth delegation drawn from around the Communion to be part of this major Roman Catholic event, at which the special guest will be Pope Francis himself.  Fr Nicholas is also arranging for our youth delegates to have an exposure to the significant work and ministry of the...

A festive lunch was recently held in London when the diocesan staff, together with my office, celebrated a significant birthday of a certain deacon, who is well known throughout the diocese. Deacon Frances is pictured, third from the right, looking suitably dignified on this great occasion.

On Sunday 30 June two new priests were ordained in All Saints Rome by Bishop Edward Holland, Honorary Assistant Bishop. Bishop Edward was commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury to preside at these ordinations, as has been the policy to date, as directed by the Diocesan Bishop when women candidates are ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese in Europe. The two new priests, the Revd Dana Englishand  the Revd Dr Mary Styles, are both serving as curates in All Saints. The chaplain of All Saints is Archdeacon Jonathan Boardman who is pictured above presenting the candidates to Bishop Edward.